The Safe Bet (Hidden Truths #1)(15)

“I’ll meet you at your room at seven.”

“Okay. See you then.” She ended the call and stared down at her phone. What was she getting herself into?

*


Michael stood outside Kate’s room but found himself hesitating. If his sister found out about his intentions with Kate, she’d sock him square in the jaw with her killer left hook. It was the first time in his life he had ever stepped out of bounds in regards to his rules of professional conduct. But he needed to make an exception for Kate. He had wanted her from the moment she’d spilled her drink on him at the club; ever since, he couldn’t stop envisioning what she would look like naked, with her long, tan legs wrapped around him.

His fist tapped the door, and he waited with a strange feeling of guilt in his stomach.

“Hi,” she said, opening the door. She radiated sensuality no matter what she wore, but tonight, dressed in black pants and a white top that clung to her breasts, she made him feel a little weak. And weakness wasn’t a feeling to which Michael was accustomed.

“I wasn’t sure where we were going.” She hesitated as her eyes raked over his jeans and T-shirt. “If you give me a minute, I can throw on some jeans.”

“You look perfect,” he said, stepping into her suite. He forced his eyes to remain on hers, instead of dipping lower to her cleavage. “I’m taking you to a little Italian place around the corner. Do you mind walking?”

“Sure.” She reached for her bag and followed him to the elevator.

“How was your day? Productive?”

“Yes, actually. I got a lot done.”

As they stepped into the empty elevator, he took a deep breath and focused his attention on the silver doors. He didn’t usually have such a problem keeping composed around women, but for some reason, he could barely control his desire to behold every inch of her body. “I’m glad you agreed to dinner.”

She smiled at him as the elevator chimed. “Thanks again for the offer.”

He opened the door to the street and touched the small of her back, which triggered a small twitch from her body. “It’s just a block away,” he said before removing his hand.

They walked in silence to a drab brownstone building on the next street. “It’s quaint,” she said when they entered the dimly lit restaurant.

“Mr. Maddox, so good of you to join us.”

Michael looked over at the restaurant owner and smiled. “Frankie, Kate here is from out of town. I wanted her to have the best Italian food Charlotte has to offer.” He looked at Kate, who was smiling at the older man.

“Nice to meet you.” She reached out to shake his hand.

“What a beautiful woman.” Frankie eyed Kate for a moment before he directed his attention back to Michael and winked.

Kate’s skin reddened at his compliment, which Michael found endearing. She was modest. “Thanks for fitting us in,” he said while patting Frankie on his back.

“Anything for you.” Frankie looked back at Kate. “Hang on to this one. He’s a good man. He helped me start my business. I began my restaurant at sixty-eight—two years ago. Can you believe it? All because this man believed in my vision.”

“Oh—we’re not dating,” Kate responded, her cheeks blushing again. “But that’s great about the restaurant,” she added.

Michael studied Kate and then looked at his friend. “How’s Billy?”

“Pretty good. Coming home to visit soon.” He must’ve realized he was still holding Kate’s hand because he released it while speaking. “He’s a Navy Seal.”

“Wow. Impressive.” Kate smiled at Frankie and nodded. “Is he your son?”

“Yes,” he answered while directing them to a small table near an exposed brick wall.

“You must be so proud,” she replied.

“I am. And I look forward to running the restaurant with him someday.” He gave one last look to Michael and Kate and grinned. “I have to say that you would make one great couple. Well, enjoy your dinner.” He nodded at Michael and retreated to the kitchen area.

Michael pulled Kate’s chair out and waited for her to sit before he took his own seat across from her.

“You help a lot of people, huh?” She reached for her black linen napkin and let it fall open and rested it on her lap.

He shrugged off her comment and slid into his chair. He remained silent, studying her face. Her glossy lips were parted, and her blue-green eyes were staring into his. He couldn’t wait to taste her lips. “I highly recommend the eggplant parm.” He broke their gaze and cleared his throat. His body was reacting to her way too fast.

“Sounds great,” she said. “I trust you.”

God, that’s the last thing you should do.

“So, tell me about your business. Do you like being an event planner?”

Before she could respond, a waiter appeared at their table and began to chat with them. “Anything particular you’d like to drink, or is there an appetizer you want?” Michael asked.

“You can pick,” she said.

“Can we have a bottle of Barolo and an order of calamari, then?” Michael thanked the waiter and looked back at Kate. “So—your business . . .?”

“It’s not what I originally planned on doing with my life, but my stepmom needed me. And since I’m a planner at heart, it works for me.”